Flooding swamped some streets and freeways Tuesday morning in the Houston area as heavy rain raked the region,

Thunderstorms are likely to pound the area for a few more hours but will probably diminish late in the morning, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters said the showers may linger into the afternoon in coastal areas.

The downpours flooded some roadways in Houston, stranding some motorists. High water was reported on Fondren near Bellaire as well as on the inbound East Freeway near Cedar Lane and on the inbound North Freeway near North Main. Flooding also was reported on the southbound West Loop near 18th Street.

Forecasters said between about midnight and 6 a.m. Bush Intercontinental Airport recorded 2.8 inches of rainfall, while Hobby Airport reported about 2.2 inches. During the same period, areas in western Harris County near Katy had about 3 inches of rain and parts of the northwest county recorded between 2 and 3 inches.

However, no serious flooding was reported, said Paul Lewis, a meteorologist with the weather service.